AI-powered robot deployed at Puri Railway Station to bolster security during Rath Yatra

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to strengthen passenger safety during the ongoing Rath Yatra festivities, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of East Coast Railway has deployed its Artificial Intelligence-powered robotic security platform, DSC ARJUN, at Puri Railway Station to assist in surveillance and crowd management.

The deployment comes as lakhs of devotees continue to arrive in Puri for Bahuda Yatra, Suna Besha and Adharapana, leading to a massive surge in passenger movement at the station.

Designed to support RPF personnel, DSC ARJUN is carrying out continuous surveillance across platforms, waiting halls, circulating areas and other key locations within the station. The robot is also broadcasting safety messages through its integrated public announcement system, advising passengers on safe boarding and deboarding, protecting their belongings, avoiding trespassing and following railway safety guidelines.

The AI-enabled robotic platform is equipped with advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Machine Learning and the Internet of Things (IoT). Its features include facial recognition, real-time crowd analytics, passenger headcount, unattended baggage detection, suspicious activity detection, live video streaming and instant alert generation.

According to East Coast Railway, the intelligent surveillance system acts as a force multiplier for the Railway Protection Force by improving situational awareness and enabling faster, technology-driven responses to potential security concerns.

Officials said the deployment of DSC ARJUN reflects East Coast Railway’s continued efforts to integrate advanced technology into railway security, particularly during large public gatherings. By complementing the vigilance of RPF personnel with AI-powered monitoring and real-time analytics, the initiative aims to provide a safer and more secure travel experience for devotees visiting Puri during the Rath Yatra celebrations.